The
Commemoration of the NinthAnniversary of the Venerable Master Hsuan Hua's Entering Nirvana

(6/27/2004)

InfiniteCommemorationandWorship

A Report on the Ninth Anniversary of the Venerable
Master Hua's Nirvana

by RENDE

On June 27, the fourfold assembly of about fifteen hundred disciples came
from all directions to the City of Ten Thousand Buddhas to commemorate the Ninth Anniversary of the Venerable Master Hua's Nirvana.

On the evening on June 26, people watched a video of the Venerable
Master giving a Dharma talk in Singapore when he led a delegation to Asia in 1988. Theysawthe Venerable Master's compassionate appearance,
carefree manner and his profound talk. Those who had never met the Master had a chance to hear his voice and get to know him. Many disciples
renewed their memories of drawing near to the Master in the old days.

At 5 a.m. on June 27, two laymen,
Wei-Hung Chen and Jose Gomez were initiated into the Male Novice Training Program, taking a first step
in their resolve to do the Buddha's work. Laymen who wish to attend this program must volunteer for six months at a DRBA branch monastery,
receive and observe the Five for six months, and demonstrate sincerity in cultivation. After six months' preparation and upholding the Eight
Precepts as a trainee, one may receive the Ten Precepts for Novice Monks. After one year, if one passes the evaluation, one may be ordained as a
Bhikshu.

At 7:00 a.m., facing the rising sun, the assembly went to the future site
of the Institute for International Philosophy & Ethics. The Abbot, DM Lyu explained the locations and functions for the different buildings. DM
Sure told everyone that their special sincerity was needed to ensure that the project would be completed successfully in accord with all the
environirental, legal or construction code requirements. With such sincere prayers,
everyone there respectfully recited the Great Compassion Mantra in unison and dedicated the merit and virtue to the fulfillment of all wishes.

The assembly then returned to the big tent to begin the ceremony for
commemorating the Venerable Master's nirvana, which included bowing to the
Venerable Master, circumambulating the sharira stupa at No Words Hall, and the
passing of offerings by about twelve hundred people. At lunch, the crowd was so
large that they filled both dining halls and even, for the first time, used
tables prepared in advance in Daoyuan Hall. DM Sure gave the first Dharma talk.
He pointed out there are many special features at the City of Ten Thousand
Buddhas, for instance eating silently He hoped that all friends in Dharma could
experience the cultivation style at the City and attain the benefit of
Dharma during their visit.

DM Chih expressed
that if she had to write to the Venerable Master on that day in memory of
him, she would start with sutra translation. Right now there are several
new books of the FlowerAdornmentSutra
published. Our distribution scope has enlarged and if people go to Bames
& Nobles [a popular bookstore], they will be able to purchase the
Venerable Master's books. Education is one of the Venerable Master's
important works. Our Developing Virtue Secondary School had a very
positive accreditation visit from the Director of WASC (Western
Association of Schools & olleges). Dharma Realm Buddhist University
has now formally become an Affiliate of the Association of Theological
Schools (ATS). The Master emphasized establishing and developing the
Sangha, upholding the precepts, advocated wearing the precept sash at all
times and taking one meal a day. As his disciples, we understand the
importance of having the Sangha take root in this country. Just this
morning two men joined the pre-monastic training; in Fall there will be
women leaving home life too. The Venerable Master tirelessly spoke Dharma
at many places throughout his life. Recently the Dharma Realm Buddhist
Association acquired several more monasteries, and the Dharma wheel
continues to turn unceasingly. More importantly, the permit for the
Institute for International Philosophy & Ethics has been vested, and
there won't be anymore political obstacles in the way. Construction will
start next year.

The Abbot, DM Lyu
apologized to the assembly for the limited space in the Dining Hall, which
made people wait longer to get food. The Venerable Master had long ago
foreseen the need for a new, large-scale Way-place. In the future the
Dining Hall will be three times the size of the current one. For the sake
of benefiting sentient beings in many ways, well build a big Institute. To
become a Buddha, one must benefit sentient beings; we benefit sentient
beings in order to become Buddhas. The Venerable Master's spirit to
benefit sentient beings will never rest. In order to commemorate the
Venerable Master, the Abbot hoped that everyone would propagate the
Master's spirit and aspirations, as well as helping to make sure that the
IIP&E project will soon be realized!

After lunch,
numerous people crowded into the Long Life Hall to attend the ceremony for
transmitting the Three Refuges and Five Precepts. A long line of people
waited to behold the Venerable Master's sharira at No Words Hall, so the
open hours were extended to 3:00 p.m.

Years have
passed, yet memories of the Venerable Master have not diminished. His
admonitions about the mistakes in society and earnest exhortations still
ring in our ears. The transmission of the orthodox Dharma relies on his
disciples continuing to do their best. May we learn and embody his spirit
of "shedding blood and sweat and not pausing to rest" so that
the sagely teaching will not decline and sentient beings may leave
suffering and attain bliss!